Cheesy Garlic Knots are soft, pillowy knots of dough baked to a golden brown and generously coated with a flavorful garlic butter and melted cheese. These irresistible bites are a popular appetizer or side dish, offering a delightful combination of warm, slightly chewy bread, savory garlic, and gooey, melted cheese. Often seasoned with herbs like parsley or Italian seasoning, they are easy to make and are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a tasty addition to any meal. Their knotted shape makes them fun to eat and easy to share.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Small bowl
- Pastry brush
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Large mixing bowl (if making homemade dough)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to make it easier to work with. If making homemade dough, prepare it according to your recipe and let it rise.
- Shape the Knots:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into long strips, about 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long.
- Take one strip of dough and tie it into a simple knot. Tuck the ends underneath to secure the knot.
- Place the knots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Brush the tops and sides of the dough knots generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of the garlic buttered knots.
- Bake the Knots: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the knots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. If desired, sprinkle the cheesy garlic knots with chopped fresh parsley for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
Tips and Notes:
- Dough Consistency: If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour when rolling it out.
- Knot Size: You can adjust the size of the knots by cutting the dough strips shorter or longer.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend for different flavors.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme. You can also use fresh minced herbs in the garlic butter.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the knots ahead of time, place them on a baking sheet, cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to a few hours before baking. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Serving Suggestions: Cheesy garlic knots are great on their own, with marinara sauce for dipping, or as a side to pasta dishes, salads, and soups.
Enjoy these warm and cheesy Garlic Knots!